Electronic cigarette

ABSTRACT

An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 16/106,049, filed Aug. 21, 2018, which is a divisional applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 15/065,422, filed Mar. 9, 2016; which is aDivisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/756,127, filed Jan. 31, 2013;which claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/593,004, filed on Jan. 31, 2012, theentire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF SELECTED FEATURES

An electronic cigarette includes a heater which vaporizes liquidmaterial to produce an aerosol and an airflow diverter for abating thetendency of incoming air to reduce heater performance and aerosol outputdue to its cooling effect upon the heater during a puff. The electroniccigarette can also include a mouth end insert including at least twodiverging outlets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according toa first embodiment wherein the mouth end insert includes divergingoutlets.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a mouth end insert for use with theelectronic cigarette of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line B-B of the mouth end insertof FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the air flow diverter of the electroniccigarette of FIG. 4 .

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A of the electroniccigarette of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic cigarette according tothe first embodiment and further including a sleeve assembly.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an electronic cigarette including an aromastrip on an outer surface thereof.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a mouth endinsert for use with the electronic cigarettes of FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8 .

FIG. 12 is an exploded view of the mouth end insert of FIG. 11 .

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view along line A′-A′ of the electroniccigarette of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of an air flow diverter and tank reservoirof the electronic cigarette of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of an alternate air flow diverter and tankreservoir of the electronic cigarette of FIG. 15 .

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes an air flow diverter.

FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of an air flow diverter and tank reservoirof the electronic cigarette of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 20 is enlarged views of an alternate air flow diverter and tankreservoir of the electronic cigarette of FIG. 18 .

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment wherein an electroniccigarette includes a tank reservoir, two heaters and two air flowdiverters.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged perspective view of the tank reservoir, the twoair flow diverters and heaters of the electronic cigarette of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional representation of an embodiment whereinelectrical connections to the heaters are internal of the tankreservoir.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional top view of an embodiment wherein anelectronic cigarette includes a tank reservoir and an air flow diverterdisposed about a longitudinally extending wick.

FIG. 25 is a side view of the tank reservoir, the longitudinallyextending wick and the air flow diverter of the electronic cigarette ofFIG. 24 .

FIG. 26 is a side view of an alternate tank reservoir having more thanone liquid compartment, each with its own wick, heater and air flowdiverter.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of another alternate tank reservoir havingmore than one liquid compartment, each with its own wick, heater and theair flow diverter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An electronic cigarette provides improved aerosol output and/or bettermouthfeel by utilizing one or more of a mouth end insert including atleast two off-axis, preferably diverging outlets, at least one air flowdiverter and/or alternative materials for the construction of theelectronic cigarette.

Not wishing to be bound by theory, the use of a mouth end insert havingat least two off-axis, preferably diverging outlets allows for greaterdistribution of aerosol into a smoker's mouth so as to provide a fullermouth feel. The mouth end insert also provides an impaction surface forcollecting unaerosolized liquid droplets which prevents such liquiddroplets from exiting the mouth end insert in a non-aerosolized form.The impaction surface of the mouth end insert also acts to intensifyheat due to droplets striking the surface during smoking.

Moreover, while not wishing to be bound by theory, the use of an airflow diverter acts to slow the air flow and/or redirect at least someair flow around portions of the heater so as to abate the tendency ofdrawn airflow to cool the heater during increased draw on the electroniccigarette. It is believed that by reducing the cooling effect on theheater, it will provide greater aerosol output during longer and/orstronger draws on an electronic cigarette, as expected by the smoker.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 13 , a novel electronic cigarette 60comprises a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusablefixture (or second section) 72, which are coupled together at a threadedconnection 205 or by other convenience such as a snug-fit, detent, clampand/or clasp. The first section 70 includes an outer tube 6 (or casing)extending in a longitudinal direction and an inner tube 62 coaxiallypositioned within the outer tube or casing 6. The second section 72 canalso include an outer tube 6 (or casing) extending in a longitudinaldirection. In an alternative embodiment, the outer tube 6 can be asingle tube housing both the first section 70 and the second section 72and the entire electronic cigarette 60 can be disposable.

In an embodiment, the electronic cigarette 60 can also include a centralair passage 20 in an upstream seal 15. The central air passage 20 opensto the inner tube 62. Moreover, the electronic cigarette 60 includes aliquid supply reservoir 22. The liquid supply comprises a liquidmaterial and optionally a liquid storage medium 21 operable to store theliquid material therein. In an embodiment, the liquid supply reservoir22 is contained in an outer annulus between the outer tube 6 and theinner tube 62. The annulus is sealed at an upstream end by the seal 15and by a liquid stopper 10 at a downstream end so as to prevent leakageof the liquid material from the liquid supply reservoir 22.

In an embodiment, a heater 14 is also contained in the inner tube 62downstream of and in spaced apart relation to the central air passage20. The heater 14 can be in the form of a wire coil, a planar body, aceramic body, a single wire, a cage of resistive wire or any othersuitable form. A wick 28 is in communication with the liquid material inthe liquid supply reservoir 22 and in communication with the heater 14such that the wick 28 disposes liquid material in proximate relation tothe heater 14. The wick 28 may be constructed of a fibrous and flexiblematerial. The wick 28 preferably comprises at least one filament havinga capacity to draw a liquid, more preferably the wick 28 comprises abundle of filaments which may comprise glass (or ceramic) filaments andmost preferably a bundle comprising a group of windings of glassfilaments, preferably three of such windings, all which arrangements arecapable of drawing liquid via capillary action via interstitial spacingsbetween the filaments. A power supply 1 in the second section 72 isoperable to apply voltage across the heater 14. The electronic cigarette60 also includes at least one air inlet 44 operable to deliver air tothe central air passage 20 and/or other portions of the inner tube 62.

The electronic cigarette 60 further includes a mouth end insert 8 havingat least two off-axis, preferably diverging outlets 24. The mouth endinsert 8 is in fluid communication with the central air passage 20 viathe interior of inner tube 62 and a central passage 63, which extendsthrough the stopper 10. Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 , the heater14 preferably extends in a direction transverse to the longitudinaldirection and heats the liquid material to a temperature sufficient tovaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol. In other embodiments,other orientations of the heater 14 are contemplated. For example, asshown in FIG. 13 , the heater 14 and the heated portion of the wick 28can be arranged longitudinally within the inner tube 62. Preferably, asshown, the heater 14 is arranged centrally within the inner tube 62.However, in other embodiments the heater 14 can be arranged adjacent aninner surface of the inner tube 62.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , the wick 28, liquid supply reservoir 22 andmouth end insert 8 are contained in the cartridge 70 and the powersupply 1 is contained in the second section 72. In one embodiment, thefirst section (the cartridge) 70 is disposable and the second section(the fixture) 72 is reusable. The sections 70, 72 can be attached by athreaded connection 205 whereby the downstream section 70 can bereplaced when the liquid supply reservoir 22 is used up. Having aseparate first section 70 and second section 72 provides a number ofadvantages. First, if the first section 70 contains the at least oneheater 14, the liquid supply reservoir 22 and the wick 14, all elementswhich are potentially in contact with the liquid are disposed of whenthe first section 70 is replaced. Thus, there will be nocross-contamination between different mouth end inserts 8, for example,when using different liquid materials. Also, if the first section 70 isreplaced at suitable intervals, there is little chance of the heaterbecoming clogged with liquid. Optionally, the first section 70 and thesecond section 72 are arranged to releaseably lock together whenengaged.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the outer tube 6 can include aclear (transparent) window 71 formed of a transparent material so as toallow a smoker to see the amount of liquid material remaining in theliquid supply reservoir 22. The clear window 71 can extend at least aportion of the length of the first section 70 and can extend fully orpartially about the circumference of the first section 70. In anotherembodiment, the outer tube 6 can be at least partially formed of atransparent material so as to allow a smoker to see the amount of liquidmaterial remaining in the liquid supply reservoir 22.

In an embodiment, the at least one air inlet 44 includes one or two airinlets 44, 44′. Alternatively, there may be three, four, five or moreair inlets. Preferably, if there is more than one air inlet 44, 44′, theair inlets 44, 44′ are located at different locations along theelectronic cigarette 60. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , an air inlet44 a can be positioned at the upstream end of the cigarette adjacent thepuff sensor 16 such that the puff sensor supplies power to the heaterupon sensing a puff by the smoker. Air inlet 44 a should communicatewith the mouth end insert 8 so that a draw upon the mouth end insertactivates the puff sensor. The air from the air inlet 44 a can then flowalong the battery and to the central air passage 20 in the seal 15and/or to other portions of the inner tube 62 and/or outer tube 6. Atleast one additional air inlet 44, 44′ can be located adjacent andupstream of the seal 15 or at any other desirable location. Altering thesize and number of air inlets 44, 44′ can also aid in establishing theresistance to draw of the electronic cigarette 60.

In an embodiment, the heater 14 is arranged to communicate with the wick28 and to heat the liquid material contained in the wick 28 to atemperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form anaerosol.

The heater 14 is preferably a wire coil surrounding wick 28. Examples ofsuitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium,tantalum and metals from the platinum group. Examples of suitable metalalloys include stainless steel, nickel-, cobalt-, chromium-,aluminium-titanium-zirconium-, hafnium-, niobium-, molybdenum-,tantalum-, tungsten-, tin-, gallium-, manganese- and iron-containingalloys, and super-alloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel.For example, the heater can be formed of nickel aluminides, a materialwith a layer of alumina on the surface, iron aluminides and othercomposite materials, the electrically resistive material may optionallybe embedded in, encapsulated or coated with an insulating material orvice-versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and theexternal physicochemical properties required. Preferably, the heater 14comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting ofstainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys,superalloys and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the heater 14 isformed of nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In oneembodiment, the heater 14 can be a ceramic heater having an electricallyresistive layer on an outside surface thereof.

In another embodiment, the heater 14 may be constructed of aniron-aluminide (e.g., FeAl or Fe₃Al), such as those described incommonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 5,595,706 to Sikka et al. filed Dec. 29,1994, or nickel aluminides (e.g., Ni₃Al). Use of iron-aluminides isparticularly advantageous in that they exhibit high resistivity. FeAlexhibits a resistivity of approximately 180 micro-ohms, whereasstainless steel exhibits approximately 50 to 91 micro-ohms. The higherresistivity lowers current draw or load on the power source (battery) 1.

In one embodiment, the heater 14 comprises a wire coil which at leastpartially surrounds the wick 28. In that embodiment, preferably the wireis a metal wire and/or the heater coil that extends partially along thelength of the wick 28. The heater coil may extend fully or partiallyaround the circumference of the wick 28. In another embodiment, theheater coil is not in contact with the wick 28.

Preferably, the heater 14 heats liquid in the wick 28 by thermalconduction. Alternatively, heat from the heater 14 may be conducted tothe liquid by means of a heat conductive element or the heater 14 maytransfer heat to the incoming ambient air that is drawn through theelectronic cigarette 60 during use, which in turn heats the liquid byconvection.

In one embodiment, the wick comprises a ceramic material or ceramicfibers. As noted above, the wick 28 is at least partially surrounded bythe heater 14. Moreover, in an embodiment, the wick 28 extends throughopposed openings in the inner tube 62 such that end portions 29, 31 ofthe wick 28 are in contact with the liquid supply reservoir 22.

Preferably, the wick 28 may comprise a plurality or bundle of filaments.The filaments may be generally aligned in a direction transverse to thelongitudinal direction of the electronic cigarette. In one embodiment,the structure of the wick 28 is formed of ceramic filaments capable ofdrawing liquid via capillary action via interstitial spacings betweenthe filaments to the heater 14. The wick 28 can include filaments havinga cross-section which is generally cross-shaped, clover-shaped, Y-shapedor in any other suitable shape.

Preferably, the wick 28 includes any suitable material or combination ofmaterials. Examples of suitable materials are glass filaments andceramic or graphite based materials. Moreover, the wick 28 may have anysuitable capillarity accommodate aerosol generating liquids havingdifferent liquid physical properties such as density, viscosity, surfacetension and vapor pressure. The capillary properties of the wick 28,combined with the properties of the liquid, ensure that the wick 28 isalways wet in the area of the heater 14 to avoid overheating of theheater 14.

Instead of using a wick, the heater can be a porous material ofsufficient capillarity and which incorporates a resistance heater formedof a material having a high electrical resistance capable of generatingheat quickly.

In one embodiment, the wick 28 and the fibrous medium 21 of the liquidsupply reservoir 22 are constructed from an alumina ceramic. In anotherembodiment, the wick 28 includes glass fibers and the fibrous medium 21includes a cellulosic material or polyethylene terephthalate.

In an embodiment, the power supply 1 includes a battery arranged in theelectronic cigarette 60 such that the anode is downstream of thecathode. A battery anode connector 4 contacts the downstream end of thebattery. The heater 14 is connected to the battery by two spaced apartelectrical leads 26 (shown in FIGS. 4, 6 and 8 ).

Preferably, the connection between the uncoiled, end portions 27, 27′(see FIG. 5 ) of the heater 14 and the electrical leads 26 are highlyconductive and temperature resistant while the heater 14 is highlyresistive so that heat generation occurs primarily along the heater 14and not at the contacts.

The battery can be a Lithium-ion battery or one of its variants, forexample a Lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, the battery may bea Nickel-metal hydride battery, a Nickel cadmium battery, aLithium-manganese battery, a Lithium-cobalt battery or a fuel cell. Inthat case, preferably, the electronic cigarette 60 is usable by a smokeruntil the energy in the power supply is depleted. Alternatively, thepower supply 1 may be rechargeable and include circuitry allowing thebattery to be chargeable by an external charging device. In that case,preferably the circuitry, when charged, provides power for apre-determined number of puffs, after which the circuitry must bere-connected to an external charging device.

Preferably, the electronic cigarette 60 also includes control circuitryincluding a puff sensor 16. The puff sensor 16 is operable to sense anair pressure drop and initiate application of voltage from the powersupply 1 to the heater 14. The control circuitry can also include aheater activation light 48 operable to glow when the heater 14 isactivated. Preferably, the heater activation light 48 comprises an LED48 and is at an upstream end of the electronic cigarette 60 so that theheater activation light 48 takes on the appearance of a burning coalduring a puff. Moreover, the heater activation light 48 can be arrangedto be visible to the smoker. In addition, the heater activation light 48can be utilized for cigarette system diagnostics. The light 48 can alsobe configured such that the smoker can activate and/or deactivate thelight 48 for privacy, such that the light 48 would not activate duringsmoking if desired.

Preferably, the at least one air inlet 44 a is located adjacent the puffsensor 16, such that the puff sensor 16 senses air flow indicative of asmoker taking a puff and activates the power supply 1 and the heateractivation light 48 to indicate that the heater 14 is working.

A control circuit is integrated with the puff sensor 16 and suppliespower to the heater 14 responsive to the puff sensor 16, preferably witha maximum, time-period limiter.

Alternatively, the control circuitry may include a manually operableswitch for a smoker to initiate a puff. The time-period of the electriccurrent supply to the heater may be pre-set depending on the amount ofliquid desired to be vaporized. The control circuitry is preferablyprogrammable for this purpose. Alternatively, the circuitry may supplypower to the heater as long as the puff sensor detects a pressure drop.

Preferably, when activated, the heater 14 heats a portion of the wick 28surrounded by the heater for less than about 10 seconds, more preferablyless than about 7 seconds. Thus, the power cycle (or maximum pufflength) can range in period from about 2 seconds to about 10 seconds(e.g., about 3 seconds to about 9 seconds, about 4 seconds to about 8seconds or about 5 seconds to about 7 seconds).

In an embodiment, the liquid supply reservoir 22 includes a liquidstorage medium 21 containing liquid material. In the embodiments shownin FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, 9 and 13 , the liquid supply reservoir 22 iscontained in an outer annulus 62 between inner tube 62 and outer tube 6and between stopper 10 and the seal 15. Thus, the liquid supplyreservoir 22 at least partially surrounds the central air passage 20 andthe heater 14 and the wick 14 extend between portions of the liquidsupply reservoir 22. Preferably, the liquid storage material is afibrous material comprising cotton, polyethylene, polyester, rayon andcombinations thereof. Preferably, the fibers have a diameter ranging insize from about 6 microns to about 15 microns (e.g., about 8 microns toabout 12 microns or about 9 microns to about 11 microns). The liquidstorage medium 21 can be a sintered, porous or foamed material. Alsopreferably, the fibers are sized to be irrespirable and can have across-section which has a y shape, cross shape, clover shape or anyother suitable shape. In the alternative, the reservoir 22 may comprisea filled tank lacking a fibrous storage medium 21, such as furtherdescribed with reference to FIGS. 15-26 .

Also preferably, the liquid material has a boiling point suitable foruse in the electronic cigarette 60. If the boiling point is too high,the heater 14 will not be able to vaporize liquid in the wick 28.However, if the boiling point is too low, the liquid may vaporizewithout the heater 14 being activated.

The liquid material may include a tobacco-containing material includingvolatile tobacco flavor compounds which are released from the liquidupon heating. The liquid may also be a tobacco flavor containingmaterial or a nicotine-containing material. Alternatively, or inaddition, the liquid may include a non-tobacco material. For example,the liquid may include water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts andnatural or artificial flavors. Preferably, the liquid further includesan aerosol former. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerineand propylene glycol.

In use, liquid material is transferred from the liquid supply reservoir22 and/or liquid storage medium 21 in proximity of the 14 heater bycapillary action in the wick 28. In one embodiment, the wick 28 has afirst end portion 29 and a second opposite end portion 31 as shown inFIG. 4 . The first end portion 29 and the second end portion 31 extendinto opposite sides of the liquid storage medium 21 for contact withliquid material contained therein. Also preferably, the heater 14 atleast partially surrounds a central portion of the wick 28 such thatwhen the heater is activated, the liquid in the central portion of thewick 28 is vaporized by the heater 14 to vaporize the liquid materialand form an aerosol.

One advantage of an embodiment is that the liquid material in the liquidsupply reservoir 22 is protected from oxygen (because oxygen cannotgenerally enter the liquid storage portion via the wick) so that therisk of degradation of the liquid material is significantly reduced.Moreover, in some embodiments in which the outer tube 6 is not clear,the liquid supply reservoir 22 is protected from light so that the riskof degradation of the liquid material is significantly reduced. Thus, ahigh level of shelf-life and cleanliness can be maintained.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mouth end insert 8, includes at leasttwo diverging outlets 24 (e.g., 3, 4, 5 or more, preferably 2 to 10outlets or more, more preferably 2 to 6 outlet passages 24, even morepreferably 4 outlet passages 24). Preferably, the outlets 24 of themouth end insert 8 are located at ends of off-axis passages 80 and areangled outwardly in relation to the longitudinal direction of theelectronic cigarette 60 (i.e., divergently). As used herein, the term“off-axis” denotes at an angle to the longitudinal direction of theelectronic cigarette. Also preferably, the mouth end insert (or flowguide) 8 includes outlets uniformly distributed around the mouth endinsert 8 so as to substantially uniformly distribute aerosol in asmoker's mouth during use. Thus, as the aerosol passes into a smoker'smouth, the aerosol enters the mouth and moves in different directions soas to provide a full mouth feel as compared to electronic cigaretteshaving an on-axis single orifice which directs the aerosol to a singlelocation in a smoker's mouth.

In addition, the outlets 24 and off-axis passages 80 are arranged suchthat droplets of unaerosolized liquid material carried in the aerosolimpact interior surfaces 81 at mouth end insert and/or interior surfacesof the off-axis passages such that the droplets are removed or brokenapart. In an embodiment, the outlets of the mouth end insert are locatedat the ends of the off-axis passages and are angled at 5 to 60° withrespect to the central axis of the outer tube 6 so as to more completelydistribute aerosol throughout a mouth of a smoker during use and toremove droplets.

Preferably, each outlet has a diameter of about 0.015 inch to about0.090 inch (e.g., about 0.020 inch to about 0.040 inch or about 0.028inch to about 0.038 inch). The size of the outlets 24 and off-axispassages 80 along with the number of outlets can be selected to adjustthe resistance to draw (RTD) of the electronic cigarette 60, if desired.

As shown in FIG. 1 , an interior surface 81 of the mouth end insert 8can comprise a generally domed surface. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.3 , the interior surface 81′ of the mouth end insert 8 can be generallycylindrical or frustoconical, with a planar end surface. Preferably, theinterior surface is substantially uniform over the surface thereof orsymmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the mouth end insert 8.However, in other embodiments, the interior surface can be irregularand/or have other shapes.

Preferably, the mouth end insert 8 is integrally affixed within the tube6 of the cartridge 70. Moreover, the mouth end insert 8 can be formed ofa polymer selected from the group consisting of low densitypolyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene,polyvinylchloride, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and combinations thereof.The mouth end insert 8 may also be colored if desired.

In an embodiment, the electronic cigarette 60 also includes variousembodiments of an air flow diverter or air flow diverter means, whichare shown in FIGS. 4, 6, 8, 13, 15-26 . The air flow diverter isoperable to manage air flow at or about around the heater so as to abatea tendency of drawn air to cool the heater, which could otherwise leadto diminished aerosol output.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 , the electronic cigarette60 can include an air flow diverter comprising an impervious plug 30 ata downstream end 82 of the central air passage 20 in seal 15.Preferably, the central air passage 20 is an axially extending centralpassage in seal 15, which seals the upstream end of the annulus betweenthe outer and inner tubes 6, 60. The air flow diverter can preferablyinclude at least one radial air channel 32 directing air from thecentral passage 20 outward toward the inner tube 62 and into an outerair passage 84 defined between an outer periphery of a downstream endportion of the seal 15 and the inner wall of inner tube 62.

Preferably, the diameter of the bore of the central air passage 20 issubstantially the same as the diameter of the at least one radial airchannel 32. Also preferably, the diameter of the bore of the central airpassage 20 and the at least one radial air channel 32 ranges from about1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm (e.g., about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm). Optionally,the diameter of the bore of the central air passage 20 and the at leastone radial air channel 32 can be adjusted to control the resistance todraw of the electronic cigarette 60. In use, the air flows into the boreof the central air passage 20, through the at least one radial airchannel 32 and into the outer air passage 84 such that a lesser portionof the air flow is directed at a central portion of the heater 14 so asto minimize the aforementioned cooling effect of the airflow on theheater 14 during heating cycles. Thus, incoming air is directed awayfrom the center of the heater 14 and the air velocity past the heater isreduced as compared to when the air flows through a central opening inthe seal 15 oriented directly in line with a middle portion of theheater 14.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the air flow divertercan be in the form of a disc 34 positioned between the downstream end ofseal 15 and the heater 14. The disc 34 includes at least one orifice 36in a transverse wall at a downstream end of an outer tubular wall 90.Also preferably, the at least one orifice 36 is off-axis so as to directincoming air outward towards the inner wall of tube 62. During a puff,the disc 34 is operable to divert air flow away from a central portionof the heater 14 so as to counteract the tendency of the airflow to coolthe heater as a result of a strong or prolonged draw by a smoker. Thus,the heater 14 is substantially prevented from cooling during heatingcycles so as to prevent a drop in the amount of aerosol produced duringa puff.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the heater 14 is oriented longitudinallywithin the inner tube 62 and the disc 34 includes at least one orifice36 arranged to direct air flow non-centrally and/or radially away fromthe centralized location of the heater 14. In embodiment where theheater 14 is oriented longitudinally within the inner tube 62 andadjacent an inner wall of the inner tube 62, the orifices 36 can bearranged to direct at least a portion of the airflow away from theheater 14 so as to abate the cooling effect of the air flow upon theheater 14 during a power cycle and/or be arranged to decelerate the airflow to achieve the same effect.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8 , the air flow divertercomprises a frustoconical section 40 extending from the downstream end82 of a shortened central air passage 20. By shortening the centralpassage 20 as compared to other embodiments, the heater 14 is positionedfarther away from the central passage 20 allowing the air flow todecelerate before contacting the heater 14 and lessen the tendency ofthe air flow to cool the heater 14. Alternatively, the heater 14 can bemoved closer to the mouth end insert 8 and farther away from the centralair passage 20 to allow the air flow time and/or space sufficient todecelerate to achieve the same cooling-abatement effect.

Preferably, the addition of the frustoconical section 40 provides alarger diameter bore size which can decelerate the air flow so that theair velocity at or about the heater 14 is reduced so as to abate thecooling effect of the air on the heater 14 during puff cycles.Preferably, the diameter of the large (exit) end of the frustoconicalsection 40 ranges from about 2.0 mm to about 4.0 mm, more preferablyabout 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm.

The diameter of the bore of the central air passage 20 and the diameterof the smaller and/or larger end of the frustoconical section 40 can beadjusted to control the resistance to draw of the electronic cigarette60.

Preferably, the air flow diverter of the various embodiments channelsthe air flow by controlling the air flow velocity (its speed and/or thedirection of the air flow). For example, the air flow diverter candirect air flow in a particular direction and/or control the speed ofthe air flow. The air flow speed may be controlled by varying the crosssectional area of the air flow route. Air flow through a constrictedsection increases in speed while air flow through a wider sectiondecreases speed.

In an embodiment, the electronic cigarette 60 is about the same size asa conventional cigarette. In some embodiments, the electronic cigarette60 can be about 80 mm to about 110 mm long, preferably about 80 mm toabout 100 mm long and about 7 mm to about 8 mm in diameter. For example,in an embodiment, the electronic cigarette is about 84 mm long and has adiameter of about 7.8 mm.

In one embodiment, the electronic cigarette 60 of FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8can also include a filter segment upstream of the heater 14 and operableto restrict flow of air through the electronic cigarette 60. Theaddition of a filter segment can aid in adjusting the resistance todraw.

The outer tube 6 and/or the inner tube 62 may be formed of any suitablematerial or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materialsinclude metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing oneor more of those materials, or thermoplastics that are suitable for foodor pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene,polyetheretherketone (PEEK), ceramic, and polyethylene. Preferably, thematerial is light and non-brittle.

As shown in FIG. 9 , the electronic cigarette 60 can also include asleeve assembly 87 removably and/or rotatably positioned about the outertube 6 adjacent the first section 70 of the electronic cigarette 70.Moreover, the sleeve assembly 87 insulates at least a portion of thefirst section 70 so as to maintain the temperature of the aerosol priorto delivery to the smoker. In an embodiment, the sleeve assembly 87 isrotatable about the electronic cigarette 60 and includes spaced apartslots 88 arranged transversely about the sleeve assembly such that theslots 88 line up with the air inlets 44 in the first section 70 to allowair to pass into the electronic cigarette 60 when a smoker draws a puff.Before or during smoking, the smoker can rotate the sleeve assembly 87such that the air inlets 44 are at least partially blocked by the sleeveassembly 87 so as to adjust the resistance to draw and/or ventilation ofthe electronic cigarette 60.

Preferably, the sleeve assembly 87 is made of silicone or other pliablematerial so as to provide a soft mouthfeel to the smoker. However, thesleeve assembly 87 can be formed in one or more pieces and can be formedof a variety of materials including plastics, metals and combinationsthereof. In an embodiment, the sleeve assembly 87 is a single pieceformed of silicone. The sleeve assembly 87 can be removed and reusedwith other electronic cigarettes or can be discarded along with thefirst section 70. The sleeve assembly 87 can be any suitable colorand/or can include graphics or other indicia.

As shown in FIG. 10 , the electronic cigarette 60 can also include anaroma strip 89 located on an outer surface 91 of at least one of thefirst section 70 and the second section 72. Alternatively, the aromastrip 89 can be located on a portion of the sleeve assembly 87.Preferably, the aroma strip 89 is located between the battery of thedevice and the heater such that the aroma strip 89 is adjacent asmoker's nose during smoking. The aroma strip 89 can include a flavoraroma gel, film or solution including a fragrance material that isreleased before and/or during smoking. In one embodiment, the flavoraroma of the gel, fluid and/or solution can be released by the action ofa puff which may open a vent over the aroma strip when positioned insidethe first section 70 (not shown). Alternatively, heat generated by theheater 14 can cause the release of the aroma.

In one embodiment, the aroma strip 89 can include tobacco flavorextracts. Such an extract can be obtained by grinding tobacco materialto small pieces and extracting with an organic solvent for a few hoursby shaking the mixture. The extract can then be filtered, dried (forexample with sodium sulfate) and concentrated at controlled temperatureand pressure. Alternatively, the extracts can be obtained usingtechniques known in the field of flavor chemistry, such as the SolventAssisted Flavor Extraction (SAFE) distillation technique (Engel et al.1999), which allows separation of the volatile fraction from thenon-volatile fraction. Additionally, pH fractionation andchromatographic methods can be used for further separation and/orisolation of specific compounds. The intensity of the extract can beadjusted by diluting with an organic solvent or water.

The aroma strip 89 can be a polymeric or paper strip to which theextract can be applied, for example, using a paintbrush or byimpregnation. Alternatively, the extract can be encapsulated in a paperring and/or strip and released manually by the smoker, for example bysqueezing during smoking the aroma strip 89.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , in an alternative embodiment, theelectronic cigarette of FIGS. 1, 4, 6 and 8 can includes a mouth endinsert 8 having a stationary piece 27 and a rotatable piece 25. Outlets24, 24′ are located in each of the stationary piece 27 and the rotatablepiece 25. One or more of the outlets 24, 24′ align as shown to allowaerosol to enter a smoker's mouth. However, the rotatable piece 25 canbe rotated within the mouth end insert 8 so as to at least partiallyblock one or more of the outlets 24 in the stationary mouth end insert27. Thus, the consumer can adjust the amount of aerosol drawn with eachpuff. The outlets 24, 24′ can be formed in the mouth end insert 8 suchthat the outlets 24, 24′ diverge to provide a fuller mouth feel duringinhalation of the aerosol.

In another embodiment, the air flow diverter comprises the addition of asecond wick element adjacent to but just upstream of the heater 14. Thesecond wick element diverts portions of the air flow about the heater14.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15 , the electronic cigarette 60comprises a replaceable cartridge (or first section) 70 and a reusablefixture (or second section) 72, which are coupled together at a threadedconnection 205 or by other convenience such as a snug-fit, detent, clampand/or clasp. The second section 72 can be constructed in accordancewith the teachings above regarding the other embodiments such as thatshown and described with respect to FIG. 1 .

Still referring to FIG. 15 , in this embodiment, the first section 70includes an outer tube 6 (or casing) extending in a longitudinaldirection and a liquid supply reservoir in the form of a truncatedcylindrical tank reservoir 22 at a location between the connection 205and a mouthpiece insert 8. Preferably, the tank reservoir 22 comprises aseparately formed, self-supporting (discrete) hollow body constructed ofa heat-resistant plastic or woven fiberglass. In an embodiment, the tankreservoir 22 can be generally in the form of elongate partial cylinder,one side of which is truncated. In an embodiment, the tank reservoir 22has a transverse dimension, such as in the direction of arrow “x” inFIG. 16 , and is truncated such that the aforementioned transversedimension is approximately two-thirds of the diameter of the tankreservoir 22. The aforementioned transverse dimension may vary in otherembodiments, depending on design requirements such as a desired capacityof the tank or a need for space within the casing 6 for heaters and forchanneling airflow. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 ,the tank reservoir 22 has a semi-circular cross-section or a transversedimension equal to one-half the tank diameter.

In one embodiment, the reservoir tank 22 can be a construction separateof the casing 6 and comprises a longitudinally extending planar panel101 and an arcuate, longitudinally extending panel 103. The arcuatepanel 103 preferably conforms or mates with an interior surface 127 ofthe outer tube 6. It is envisioned that the tank reservoir 22 may beheld in place against the interior 127 of the outer casing 6 byconveniences such as spaced ridges 333 and 333′ at predeterminedlocations along the interior 127 of the outer casing 6 or a rail/slideconnection (e.g., see FIG. 22 ), a friction fit or a snap fit or otherconvenience. In addition or in lieu thereof, discs of liquid absorbentmaterial 10 and 15 may be positioned against interior portions of thereservoir tank 22 to retain the reservoir tank 22 in place and also toabsorb any liquid that might escape inadvertently from the tankreservoir 22 or the wick 28. The discs 10, 15 would be each providedapertures 11 to allow air and/or aerosol to pass therethrough.

In the preferred embodiment, a wick 28 is in communication with theinterior of the supply reservoir 22 and in communication with a heater14 such that the wick 28 draws liquid via capillary action from thereservoir tank 22 into proximity of the heater 14. The wick 28 ispreferably a bundle of flexible filaments whose end portions 29 and 31are disposed within the confines of the tank reservoir 22. Preferably,the contents of the liquid supply reservoir is a liquid as previouslydescribed together with the end portions 29, 31 of the wick 28.Preferably the end portions 29, 31 of the wick 28 occupy substantialportions of the tank interior such that orientation of the smokingarticle 60 does not impact the ability of the wick 28 to draw liquid.Optionally, the reservoir tank 22 may include filaments or gauze or afibrous web to maintain distribution of liquid within the tank reservoir22.

Preferably, the heater 14 may comprise a coil winding of electricallyresistive wire about a portion of the wick 28. Instead or in addition,the heater may comprise a single wire, a cage of wires, printed “wire”,metallic mesh, or other arrangement instead of a coil. The heater 14 andthe associated wick portion 28 may be disposed centrally of the planarpanel 101 of the tank reservoir 22 as shown in FIG. 16 , or could beplaced at one end portion thereof or may be one or two or more heaters14 disposed either centrally or at opposite end portions of the planarpanel 101.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16 , in an embodiment, a flow diverter 100is provided adjacent the heater 14. The diverter 100 may take the formof a generally oval shield or wall 105 extending outwardly from theplane of the planar panel 101 and proximate to the heater 14 and thewick 28 such that an approaching air stream is diverted away from theheater 14 so that the amount of air drawn directly across the heater isreduced in comparison the arrangements lacking a flow diverter 100.

Preferably, the oval wall 105 is open ended so that when the heater 14is activated to freshly produce aerosol in its proximity, suchsupersaturated aerosol may be withdrawn from the confines of thediverter 100. Not wishing to be bound by theory, such arrangementreleases aerosol by utilizing the drawing action or venturi effect ofthe air passing by the heater 14 and the open ended diverter 100.Optionally, holes 107 are provided in the wall 105 of the diverter 100so that the drawing action of the air tending to withdraw aerosol fromthe confines of the diverter 100 does not work against a vacuum. Theseholes 107 may be sized to provide an optimal amount of air to be drawninto the confines of the diverter 100. Thereby, the amount of air beingdrawn into contact with the heater 14 is reduced and controlled, and asubstantial portion of the approaching air stream is diverted andby-passes the heater 14, even during aggravated draws upon theelectronic cigarette 60.

In addition, the holes 107 may be utilized for routing of end portions27, 27′ of the heater 14 or separate holes or notches may be provided.In the embodiment of FIG. 16 , the end portions 27, 27′ of the heater 14and the electric leads 26 and 26′ are connected at electric contacts111, 111′ established on the planar panel 101 adjacent the location ofthe diverter 100. The electrical contacts 111, 111′ may instead beestablished on the wall 105′ itself, as shown in FIG. 17 .

Referring back to FIG. 16 , the oval diverter shield 105 is symmetricalalong the longitudinal axis such that the diverter 100 may be placed inthe orientation as shown in FIG. 16 or 180° from that orientation, whichfacilitates manufacture and assembly of the smoking article 60.

Referring now to the FIG. 17 , the diverter 100 may be configuredinstead to have an oval wall 105′ that includes an open-ended downstreamportion 109, which further facilitates the release of aerosol from aboutthe heater 14. It is envisioned that the wall 105 of the diverter 100may take a form of a shallow “u” or “v” and may include an archedportion at least partially superposing the heater 14. In the embodimentsshown in FIGS. 15, 16 and 17 , the oval shield wall 105 is oriented withits longitudinal axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of thesmoking article 60.

In FIGS. 18, 19 and 20 the orientation of the diverter 100 and theheater 14 may instead be transverse to the longitudinal axis of thesmoking article 60. Whereas one of the former orientations may minimizedisturbance of airflow, the other orientation may produce a greaternumber of eddies or the like to promote mixing of air with aerosol.

With regard to the various embodiments shown in FIGS. 15-20 , it isenvisioned that tank reservoir 22 may have a cap 335 at one end thereof.With the cap 335 removed, the tank reservoir 22 may be filled withliquid prior to closure with the cap 335. A friction fit or snap closearrangement may be used to keep the cap 335 in place or the cap 335 maybe heat-fused into place. It is envisioned that other portions of thetank reservoir 22 structure may be used for filling. For example, theplanar panel 101 may be made as a separate, attachable piece for fillingoperations instead of cap 335. A separate, attachable planar panel 101is advantageous in that the diverter structure 100 may be attached to orintegrally formed with the planar panel 101, before attaching the panel101 to the remainder of the tank reservoir 22. Such arrangement alsofacilitates installation of the wick 28 and heater 14 within theconfines of the diverter 100. It is also envisioned that the diverter100 might be a separate piece in the form of a tub or shoe with a bottomwall having apertures for receiving end portions 29, 31 of the wick 28.Such arrangement would facilitate installation of the wick 28 and theheater 14 within the confines of separate diverter 100 for subsequentattachment to the planar wall 101.

Still referring now to FIGS. 15-20 , when a smoker draws upon themouthpiece portion of the electronic smoking article 60, the pressuresensor and control circuitry 16 activate the heater 14 in accordancewith a power cycle such as ones previously described. Air enters thesmoking article in these embodiments through the one or more ports 44,44′ and then is drawn toward the mouthpiece 8 via the channel 110defined between the reservoir tank 22 and opposing interior surfaces 127of the outer casing 6. Thereafter, the aerosol produced by the heater 14and the wick 28 is mixed with the air and the resultant aerosol (vapor)is drawn through the multi-ported mouthpiece 8.

With the inclusion of the diverter 100 in these embodiments, asubstantial portion of the airstream entering the channel 110 bypassesthe heater 14 such that a heavy drawing action on the smoking article 60does not increase or impose a counteractive cooling effect upon theheater 14, which as previously described, may inhibit desired heateroperation. Instead, the heater 14, being shielded by the diverter 100,can generate an aerosol with only a controlled or reduced amount ofcooling effect from a passing air stream.

Referring now to FIGS. 21 and 22 , in another embodiment, the reservoirtank 22 is in the form of a hollow, generally rectangular body which isinsertable into the confines of the outer casing 6. In an embodiment,the top panel 122 and the bottom panel 124 can be contoured to match thecurvature of the interior surfaces of the inner surface 127 of the outertube 6 so as to provide a friction fit between the reservoir tank 22 andthe outer casing 6. In another embodiment, the top panel 122 and thebottom panel 124 can each include a groove 123, 125 extendinglongitudinally along the length of the tank reservoir 22. In thisembodiment, the grooves 123, 125 mate with rails 126, 128 extendinglongitudinally along the inner surface 127 of the outer casing 6 so thatthe reservoir tank 22 can be slid and guided into position relative tothe mouthpiece insert 8. In both embodiments, the tank reservoir 22 ispreferably spaced away from the mouthpiece 8 by a predetermined distanceso as to provide space and opportunity for mixing of the aerosolgenerated at the heaters 14 a, 14 b and the airflow passing thereby.Optionally, either or both of the rails 126, 128 and the grooves 123 and125 may be provided with detents, catches or other arrangement to lockthe reservoir tank 22 into a predetermined location along the outercasing 6. The ridges 333, 333′ shown in FIG. 15 may be used instead orin addition for the placement and retention of the tank reservoir 22 ofFIG. 21 .

In an embodiment, a heater 14 a and a wick 28 a is located at apreferably central location along one side panel or panel 131 a, whichis provided with a diverter 100 a in accordance with the teachings abovewith reference to FIGS. 15-20 . Although the orientation of the heater14 a, wick 28 a and diverter 100 a are shown to be in the longitudinalorientation, they instead could be oriented in a transverse directionand more than one of such arrangement could be disposed along the sidepanel 131 a. Preferably, a similar arrangement is provided on theopposite side panel 131 b such that the reservoir tank 22 feeds twowicks 28 a, 28 b or more. Although the heaters 14 a and 14 b are shownin an opposing relation, they may be offset from one-another or belocated on the same side panel 131 a, 131 b. With reference also to FIG.27 , it is also envisioned that the tank reservoir 22 could becompartmentalized or partitioned such that first and second liquids areretained separately within discrete compartments 22′ and 22″ within thetank reservoir 22. In such case, the first heater 14′ and wick 28′ canbe operative with a first compartment to aerosolize the first liquid;and the second heater 14″ and wick 28″ can be operative with a secondcompartment to aerosolize the second liquid. It is envisioned thecontrol circuitry 16 may be programmed to operate the heaters 14′, 14″separately, each according to parameters tailored to the requirementsfor aerosolizing the two (or more) separate liquid components.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-23 , electrical connection to the heaters 14 aand 14 b may include provision of electrical contact 140, 140′ atop thetank reservoir 22, each preferably in the form of a longitudinal stripeor track extending along the a length of the top panel 122. In lieu orin addition the contacts 140, 140′ may be located along the end panels138 and/or 138′ of the tank reservoir 22. Electrical connection from theanode and cathode of the battery 1 is effected through leads 26 that caneither be biased into contact with the contact stripes 140, 140′ or beelectrically connected as part of assembly of the electronic smokingarticle 60. Connections to heaters 14 a, 14 b may be establishedexternally of the tank reservoir 22 by routing end portions 27, 27′ ofthe heater 14, 14′ through notches or holes provided in the diverterwall 105 or other convenience, such as shown in FIG. 22 .

Referring now in particular to FIG. 23 , alternatively, the end portions27, 27′ of each heater 14 a, 14 b may be connected to the same or theirown the contact stripes 140, 140′ via electrical leads 145, 146 disposedinternally of the tank reservoir 22.

Still referring to FIG. 22 , the bottom panel 124 may be a separatelyformed piece which snap fits or is heat sealable with the rest of thereservoir tank structure so as to facilitate assembly and to facilitateestablishing electrical connections and for the filling of the tankreservoir 22. It is also envisioned that other portions of the tank 22may be selected as the panel to serve as a separate piece. Likewise, thediverters 100 a, 100 b may be formed integrally with the side panels 131a or 131 b or formed as a separate piece such as in the form of a tub orshoe.

As with the other embodiments, as air is drawn into the smoking article60 via air inlets 44, 44′ and then along the side panels 131 a and 131 bthe of the tank reservoir 22. A substantial portion of air is divertedand cause to bypass the immediate area of the heater and wick assembliesby the presence and proximity of the flow diverters 100. Aerosol formedin regions proximal of the heaters 14 a and 14 b are drawn and mixedwith the airflow before being drawn through the multi-ported mouthpieceinsert 8.

Referring now to FIGS. 24 and 25 , in another embodiment, there isprovided a tank reservoir 22 such as in the embodiments described withreference to FIGS. 21-23 . However in this embodiment, a wick 28 has anend portion 29 which extends along the interior of the tank reservoir 22and end portion 31 which extends in a longitudinal direction outwardlyfrom an end panel 138 of the tank reservoir 22. The outwardly extendingportion 31 of the wick 28 cooperates with a heater 14 as previouslydescribed. Optionally a cap 139 is provided at the free end of the wick28. The end portions 27, 27′ of the heater 14 may be connected with thecontact stripes 140, 140′ or other arrangements as previously described,including a direct connection with the leads 26 of the smoking article60.

In this embodiment, preferably a flow diverter 100 c is disposed aboutboth the wick portion 31 and the heater 14 and takes the form of acylinder, which has an open downstream end portion. In operation, air isdrawn along the tank reservoir 22 as aerosol is generated within theconfines of the flow diverter 100 c. As the air is drawn past the flowdiverter 100 c, freshly produced aerosol is drawn from the confines ofthe flow diverter 100 c and mixed with the air stream prior to beingdrawn through the mouthpiece insert 8.

In an embodiment, the flow diverter 100 c is provided with ports orholes 146 so as to allow some air to enter the confines of the flowdiverter of 100 c so that withdrawal of freshly produced aerosol isfacilitated. By such arrangement, the aerosol is withdrawn withouthaving to work against a vacuum.

In another embodiment the end cap 139 may include radial extensions 139′to promote mixing of freshly produced aerosol with the passingairstream. It is envisioned that the radial extension 139′ may bedisc-like to provide collision sites to break apart and/or collectlarger particles in the aerosol.

Whereas the embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 show a single diverter100 c at a downstream end of the tank reservoir 22, another similarwick/heater/diverter arrangement may be constructed at the upstream endof the tank reservoir 22 in addition to the one shown in FIG. 25 (or inlieu thereof).

Referring now to FIG. 26 , a rectangular form of tank reservoir 22 suchas described with reference to FIGS. 21-23 may be partitioned by aninternal panel 147 so that the upstream wick 28′ draws one liquid fromone compartment 22′, and the downstream wick 28′ draws from a secondcompartment 22″. Such arrangement might include provision for separateconnection of the heaters so that an upstream heater 14′ might heataccording to different operating parameters from a downstream heater 14to accommodate different heating requirements for formulations orcomponents thereof.

Although the tank reservoir 22 of FIGS. 24-26 is shown and described asrectangular, the tank reservoir 22 can instead have other shapes, suchas cylindrical body that is undersized with respect to the interior ofthe outer casing 6 so as to permit airflow to pass thereby.

The above teachings provide examples of an electronic smoking article 60being modified to include the air flow diverter, all which change thespeed and/or direction of the airstream to counteract the tendency ofthe airstream to cool the heater 14.

The teachings herein are applicable to electronic cigars, and referencesto “electronic cigarette(s)” is intended to be inclusive of electroniccigars and the like. Moreover, references to “electronic smokingarticles” is intended to be inclusive of electronic cigars, electroniccigarettes and the like.

When the word “about” is used in this specification in connection with anumerical value, it is intended that the associated numerical valueinclude a tolerance of ±10% around the stated numerical value. Moreover,when reference is made to percentages in this specification, it isintended that those percentages are based on weight, i.e., weightpercentages.

Moreover, when the words “generally” and “substantially” are used inconnection with geometric shapes, it is intended that precision of thegeometric shape is not required but that latitude for the shape iswithin the scope of the disclosure. When used with geometric terms, thewords “generally” and “substantially” are intended to encompass not onlyfeatures which meet the strict definitions but also features whichfairly approximate the strict definitions.

It will now be apparent that a new, improved, and nonobvious electroniccigarette has been described in this specification with sufficientparticularity as to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatmodifications, variations, substitutions, and equivalents exist forfeatures of the electronic cigarette which do not materially depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is expresslyintended that all such modifications, variations, substitutions, andequivalents which fall within the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined by the appended claims shall be embraced by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A cartridge comprising: an outer housing extending in alongitudinal direction; a tank reservoir configured to hold aformulation, the tank reservoir in the outer housing; a wick having afirst portion and a second portion, the first portion extending into aportion of the tank reservoir; a heater in contact with the secondportion of the wick; and an air flow diverter including a cylindricalwall, the cylindrical wall defining an open end portion, the cylindricalwall abutting the tank reservoir, at least a portion of the secondportion of the wick extending through the open end portion of thecylindrical wall, the cylindrical wall surrounding at least a portion ofthe wick, at least a portion of the heater, or both the at least theportion of the wick and the at least the portion of the heater, and thecylindrical wall defining at least one port therein, the at least oneport upstream of the heater.
 2. The cartridge of claim 1, furthercomprising: an end cap surrounding at least a portion of the secondportion of the wick.
 3. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the end cap isgenerally bowl-shaped.
 4. The cartridge of claim 2, wherein the end capincludes at least one radial extension extending into a flow passageestablished between the tank reservoir and an inner surface of the outerhousing of the cartridge.
 5. The cartridge of claim 1, furthercomprising: a mouthpiece including at least one outlet, the mouthpieceat an end of the outer housing.